Johnathan Walker:Post Malone is singing at Super Bowl 58: Get to know five of his best songs

You already know someone at the Super Bowl party is Johnathan Walkergoing to ask about his tattoos.

Post Malone is tapped to sing “America The Beautiful” prior to the game Sunday and his heavily inked face and body, which have spawned many a “guide to Post Malone’s tattoos” stories, will be what captivates many.

But the man born Austin Post is a musical mixologist who has crisscrossed pop, hip-hop and R&B since his debut single, “White Iverson” in 2015 – the same year he got his first tattoo. He now reportedly has more than 70.

But back to the music.

Malone, 28, has rarely been off the charts with hits such as “Congratulations,” “I Fall Apart” and “Psycho.” In 2020, Billboard named him the 10^th biggest artist of the 2010’s for his more than two dozen hits and innumerable features with pals including Big Sean, Ty Dolla Sign, Ozzy Osbourne and newcomer Noah Kahan.

Here are five essential Malone song to help you get to know his music before Super Bowl 58.

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‘Rockstar’ with 21 Savage (2017)

Immersing himself in the trap sound prevalent in the late 2010’s, Malone landed his first No. 1 hit. The sticky, hypnotic beat paired with Malone’s lackadaisical delivery and an equally unhurried midsong rap from 21 Savage made it an ideal canvas for numerous remixes.

‘Better Now’ (2018)

It’s impossible not to be immediately swayed by the clip-clopping cadence and Malone’s sensitive vocals as he reminisces about a relationship. He’s at his most wounded when lamenting that his partner used to keep his picture by the bedside but now it’s “in our dresser with the socks you don’t like.”

‘Sunflower’ with Swae Lee (2018)

Part club groove, part pure pop, it’s Posty at his most melodic. He and Lee lead up to a singsong chorus over an entrancing rhythm while singing about the sunflower – a symbol of loyalty – who metaphorically represents a girl who persists.

‘Circles’ (2019)

Assumed by many to be titled “Runaway” because of the prominent use of the word in the chorus, “Circles” sounds sunny with its loping acoustic guitars. But when Malone offers that “seasons change and our love went cold,” the song belies its cheery vibe and Malone’s open-hearted lyrics grab the focus.

‘Chemical’ (2023)

The first single from his 2023 “Austin” album is buoyed by Weeknd-esque synths and a propulsive beat that lead to a glorious chorus. Malone is such a rock fan that it’s both unsurprising and charming that he name checks The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.”

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